I am staying at my son’s house watching their cats Clementine and Haddie while they are on vacation. Because of my condition I can’t drive and being upright can make me sick. However, I decided to venture out after being inside for five days.

I needed some things at the store and per Yelp the closest store was 7-11. No offense to 7-11 shoppers but I have never shopped there for groceries! Using Yelp’s directions I started walking. The voice on my phone told me to turn left, then turn right. I realized very quickly that I was making a circle around the apartment building! I was out of breath, my heart was pumping a mile a minute, I was dizzy and my head started to feel numb.

I was really getting pissed at this woman making me walk more than I needed to. Instead of listening to her I made a right to the main street, then my phone died! There it was! I could see the 7-11 sign! It would be too far to walk in my current condition. So I turned around and made it back to the apartment. Needless to say I was upset and frustrated.

I used to have the freedom of driving or walking wherever I wanted without distress or having to depend on anyone. Yes, I was having a pity party! Worst of all I hadn’t gotten the things I needed. After a few minutes of my little tantrum I turned on the TV and realized that that’s how it is and got over it.

So today I decided to try it again. The rains here in Seattle had given us a reprieve. The sun was shining so I got ready to go. This time with a fully charged phone, I got my bearings and left. Thankfully there are benches everywhere so I could take several breaks along the way.

As I sat on one of the benches I could see some leaves lying on the grass nearby. One of them stood out, this perfect red leaf. I love Autumn so I made sure I took a quick picture of it. It brought back memories of my boys jumping in the freshly raked pile. After a bit I stood up and continued on my journey.

This time I could see the 7-11 sign getting closer and closer. I stopped to rest in front of Egan’s Ballard Jam House and took a picture. Then off I went. Crossed a few more streets and got to my destination.

In all my excitement about being able to get there I forgot what I needed to buy. Oh yes the list, crap! My mind was completely blank. It is such a weird feeling to have actually nothing inside my head. It’s hard to explain but I have to literally squeeze my forehead together to try to press out some thoughts to produce images of the items that I needed, but nothing.

I stood there out of breath and starting to feel dizzy and things started to get blurry. I needed to get back and quickly. So what do you do when you can’t remember what you need and nothing I mean nothing triggers your memory? You buy cookies! So I left with a package of Lorna Doones and Fig Newtons!

I sat on all the benches along the way and made it home.

This post is only meant to bring awareness to a somewhat invisible condition that many like me suffer with. The month of October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month. Yes, another illness to add to the list. This time it is one that I have to deal with on a daily basis. I hardly ever discuss it because of the stigma of being “sick”.

Things that I used to take for granted, like a short walk outside turns into a lengthy ordeal. I rarely go anywhere alone because I am not sure about when and where the symptoms will hit me.

Blog posts which are near and dear to my heart can take up to six to eight hours to write. I forget words and have to use Google to assist me with word finding and spelling. Most of us have had to deal with months to years of misdiagnosis because the lack of knowledge in the medical community regarding this condition. The more we talk about it the more exposure this condition will get.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my 0.2 mile journey! If you happen to see the hash tag #DysautonomiaAwarenessMonth on Twitter re-tweet it for me! Hugs!

Lisa is an R.N. Mom Blogger and the author of
Mom Blogger Buzz. She writes about Social Media,
Technology, Product Reviews, Blogging Tips, Travel,
Family and Health. She and her husband live in the
Seattle area. They have 5 sons, 4 grandchildren and
3 furry four legged children!

How right you are, the word about this needs to be spread more! Doesn’t matter how long it took, your post is beautifully written and I really enjoy reading it :)Jutta@HungryLittleGirl recently posted..Spicy Nacho Halloween Cheese Ball

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I do hope they can come up with a treatment to help this disorder! I am just about an hour from you across the sound :) so hi neighbor!!Bobbi Burleson recently posted..Spice Set Giveaway (RV $100)

Wow, I had no idea about this disease! You brought some awareness to me! It must be a big struggle to manage. I know if it was up to you, you wouldn’t have to deal with it! But we don’t always get to choose our trials. Just keep doing the best you can. Thank you for helping me understand a new trial others have to face.Amber Edwards recently posted..Casual to Classy fashion Outfit of the Day with Smiles By Jem Handmade silk scarves

I had never heard of this condition but now I am more aware. I am glad you were able to take it to 711 and back I would have been to scared to make the trip by myself. You are very brave and umm cookies are always my go to as well. ;)T. Marie recently posted..The Apothecary Cabinet by The Owl in the Window Review

As someone who suffers from several auto immune issues. I could so relate to your trip to the 7-11.
I appreciate your sharing and we should all spread the word.Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade recently posted..Bones and Boogers

Your post is well written and I love your pictures. I am sorry you have to live this disease and I truly hope you have tons of better days ahead of you.BabsProjects recently posted..The New Etsy Guidelines are Unfair

What a wonderful post. I know it was hard for you to make it to the store, but you certainly did see some great things and have a few good memories. I think I would have bought cookies too!Cynthia L recently posted..Friends and family update – Walmart’s Unlimited Plan

Love the photos in the post and the way you told it made me feel like I was walking to that 7-11 with you. Guess what? I sometimes forget what I want to buy when I get to the store too. :)Growing Up Madison recently posted..Bumbums & Baubles Review and Giveaway

I love the photos you took on your journey and I loved reading about your journey. I hope some day there will be a cure or at least better medications to improve your quality of life.Pam recently posted..London Through The Eyes Of An Indian Girl

Sweet Lisa…with every word I read, I was feeling a sense of intensity & fear that I’m certain does not compare with what you are dealing with daily. I am so glad there were benches along your journey for you to rest upon…and that during one of those moments of pause, you found a beautiful red leaf which brought you back to a moment in time filled with beautiful memories. Absolutely…when all else fails…buy cookies! And you know I will definitely re-tweet…BIG Southern Hugs coming your way…xoxoMitzi recently posted..It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas